Resosurces
Resosurces
Key ideas 4
3.1. Introduction and objectives 4
3.2. Importance of ICT in the ESL classroom: what
they offer 4
3.3. The digital text and its possibilities: practical
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projects 9
3.4. Useful websites for ESL classroom 16
3.5. Bibliographical references 28
In Depth 30
Test 32
Scheme
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In this unit we will focus on two main topics: on the one hand, what ICT offer to the
class of ESL —English as a second language—, followed by the definition of the digital
text. Based on this definition, we are going to mention different projects that we can
perform in class just by using word processors and texts, as a first step in the
implementation of ICT in ESL.
To finish with, we are going to present a series of websites that may be useful for the
ESL, as they contain activities, both for teachers and students, which will help in the
teaching-learning process.
There is no doubt that technology has become really important in our daily practice
as English teachers. English, as international lingua franca, is the language used in
technologically mediated contexts, and technology is already offered as an integral
part of our textbooks and ELT materials. On the other hand, we have also said that
So, answering to the question of what ICT offer, we should mention the following
aspects:
Computer-based facilities and other ICT resources offer new ways of student and
teacher’s feedback and assessment, and they give the learner the opportunity to
practice the four linguistic skills, which we can define as in table 1.
ICT can broaden the ways in which the outside world can be brought into the
classroom. Besides, it can also provide opportunities for the students and teachers
to communicate with others around the world.
English can provide a varied context for many aspects of ICT, which could
enhance the teaching and learning process. It has the potential to contribute to
both the development of ICT capability among students and to a broader
technological literacy.
ICT is now a fundamental element of literacy in a modern technological society.
All students are entitled to be able to communicate effectively using the new
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Miles (2001), on the other hand, proposes the following ways in which ICT help
students of ESL (figure 1).
According to Savvidis (2016), there are five basic benefits for our students of using
technology in the classroom:
However, we must always keep in mind that technology and teachers are not
interchangeable, but complementary, since they play different roles in the teaching-
learning experience. With countless online resources, technology can help improve
teaching. Teachers can use different apps or trusted online resources to enhance the
traditional ways of teaching and to keep students more engaged. Virtual lesson plans,
grading software and online assessments can help teachers save a lot time. This
valuable time can be used for working with students who are struggling or preparing
better classes.
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In the following video, we will see how our role as teachers changes when we
implement ICT in the classroom.
One of the most significant aspects of the new technologies is the ability to produce
traditional ‘texts’ in a digital form. A digital text is:
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The new technologies encompass far more than print and book-based media ever
could. Digital texts may be electronically generated and stored in digital form, for
The digital text itself can be displayed on a screen; digitally-stored texts may also be
printed out on paper and, again, technology gives us a far greater level of control as
to the shape and format of the text on the page than could ever be achieved with
pen, paper, or even with the electronic typewriter. Technology itself has provided the
opportunity for young people to explore the sending and receiving of texts via mobile
phones and has created a new and vibrant approach to the informal use of texts.
Practical projects
In this part we will revise possible activities to be performed in class, thanks to very
basic ICT.
For more information about the different sections, please, read Miles (2001), as in
this unit we will only mention and propose a few examples.
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English and ICT activities which explore language and ideas may be usefully
structured around the following elements:
The following examples are brief descriptions of activities integrating ICT with some
common topics in English:
The word processor is undoubtedly still the most effective and useful of any of the
generic computer programs as far as English studies is concerned. Most modern
word processing programs, such as Microsoft Word, have common features, which
can aid and enhance text-handling skills. The line dividing word processors from
desktop publishing systems is constantly shifting. In general, though, desktop
The word processor as a writing tool: any text-based written task which is
more than just copy-typing is a valid task for the word processor. The typing
up of word-processed essays is valid only if the text is drafted and edited, as
well.
One of the strengths of word processing is the aid that it provides for making the
process of drafting and editing more attractive. This convenience can serve as a very
effective tool for teaching. An example can be found when teaching writing, as word
processing programs can assist students in both content and structure. Nowadays,
word processing programs also provide spellchecking, thesaurus and grammar
assistance, and some even provide the opportunity for text analysis. These features
can help students improve the quality of their writing and also allow a consideration
of content, layout, audience, visual impact, etc. This makes it easier to produce
documents such as newspaper simulations, brochures, information packs (local,
historical, school-based), posters, anthologies, instruction booklets, magazines, etc.
However, one issue concerning the use of word processors, which needs to be
addressed, is the use of spellcheckers and grammar checkers.
Transformations: ways of working with e-text
Now that e-text (digitally stored text) is available from many sources, a concern
expressed by English teachers is that there is a danger that students copy pages of
e-text into a word-processed piece without having processed the content of the
text. Transformation can be used to alleviate this problem. A transformation requires
the student to understand the text thoroughly, and said understanding (or lack
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This section presents a range of activities, which might be used with a class, each
making use of a particular aspect of the Internet or using resources from specific
websites.
What does the Internet have to offer English Studies? The World Wide Web offers
teachers, students and departments very pragmatic alternatives to traditional ways
of approaching English Studies. How well English departments adapt to and utilise
the new media may be the determining factor in their success as language education
providers in the digital future.
What information is on the Internet? The Internet is a resource for the whole family
to use and it provides a way of communicating with people around the world. Below
are some examples of the types of information that can be found on the Internet:
Using Internet resources for English. The following ideas outline how the use of ICT
and the resources of the World Wide Web can aid regarding the study of a novel. This
approach might be applied to any of the literary genres. Note that all writing tasks
set in conjunction with these activities should be word processed. Some of these
activities will require access to digital versions of the novel. These are available
through websites and can be downloaded to your computer. It is unlikely that the
texts of modern novels will be available in digital form, but there is a wealth of
background and critical information, as well as biographical details of many of these
authors to be found on the Internet. Downloading digital text is reasonably easy.
Chapter summaries.
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Tables: using the Tables option in Microsoft Word, students create a table or grid
which might demonstrate, under specific headings, the progressive structure of
the novel being studied, character ‘diaries’, etc.
Creative e-mails.
In the following video we will propose some examples and ideas regarding projects
involving digital text within the classroom and how to approach them with our
students.
In this section of the unit, we will revise some examples of websites, which could be
useful. We have chosen a selection of authority websites, although many more can
be found in the Internet.
British Council
The British Council is a cultural institute from the United Kingdom, whose mission is
to spread the knowledge of the English language and culture by means of courses
and other academic activities. It was created in 1934 and spread around the world.
In 1940 they opened a branch office in Spain.
Their website has six main categories: Learn English, Take an exam, Study or work
abroad, School and teacher resources, Arts, education and society and Voices
magazine. The Learn English site (http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/) is a
great site for English learners. There are downloadable podcasts, games, academic
writing help and an IELTS section. You can also download free apps for your iPhone
or iPad. In School and teacher resources, there are links to resources, professional
development programmes and websites to join programmes with other schools and
embed international activities, apply for teacher assistant positions, get in touch with
other schools by means of Twitter or Facebook, connect classrooms worldwide or to
participate in international programmes such as eTwinning or Erasmus+.
BBC
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Students also have the possibility to study in their own language, and
registration is free.
Publishing websites
All publishing companies in the market today have a website with mainly commercial
purposes. In them, apart from the obvious advertising of their products, they have
specific links to resources for both teachers and students. Some of these links are
accessible only with a code or password, provided to the students and teachers with
the books, but some other have a free access.
In this section, we will mention the most important publishing houses in our
country, houses with which most of the teachers will work during their teaching
careers.
In the Cambridge English section you have access to I’m a teacher, where you can
find a wide number of resources. You must register, but it is free.
Macmillan Education
Pearson Education
This is a big company, and its branch Pearson English is dedicated to ESL.
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Individual Websites
In this section, we will mention three websites made by and for teachers.
It was set up by and is managed by Dave Sperling. The site is free to use, and contains
material for both students and teachers alike, as well as a job’s board. The site’s
slogan is “The Internet’s Meeting place for ESL + EFL teachers + students from around
the World!” The website is aimed at ESL professionals and students who want to
improve their English skills.
At the top of the main page, there are tabs for Home, Jobs, Stuff for Teachers, Stuff
for Students, Stuff for Everyone, and a site search engine and, hovering over the tabs,
you have access to a further list of options. It has a wide range of useful materials
arranged under different topics, such as business English, listening, spelling, games,
and so on. In Student’s Stuff, teachers and students can find a lot of resources,
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including every student’s favourite: phrasal verbs, American slang, grammar tips, as
well as a help centre where students can ask for help on areas of the English language
learning. There is also a forum to speak with other English language students. Some
additional areas, although not directly related to ESL, are interesting to look at, both
It is free to use, although there is a restricted payment area. It provides links to other
ESL Sites, too.
Busy Teacher
It is a web intended for teachers of English as a second language. It keeps more than
14 000 resources ready-to-use, created by teachers worldwide, which are free and
downloadable. You can search them by skills or by the months of the year, in case the
activities you need are related with festivals or holidays.
It is a website where you can find useful resources. You must register in order to
download the handouts, but it is for free.
The materials are organised following five main categories: grammar, vocabulary,
material type, levels and student type. Apart from those categories, there are videos
Excellent ESL 4U
It was created by a teacher of ESL. Its aim is to provide information about topic areas;
each topic area has vocabulary to learn and exercises to help remember it. These are
meant to be done along with conversations using the vocabulary, reading and
listening activities to help students see how the vocabulary is used and, then, writing
tasks so that they can use the vocabulary.
The teaching materials are based on flashcards, videos and recordings of native
speakers, as well as the written text of the site. This multimedia approach provides
learners with as many ways as possible to learn the topic’s information. The topics
are written so that there is something for learners of all levels.
The site also includes a grammar section, but this will not be approached until the
main part, based on the topic’s vocabulary, is well established.
Others
Englishpage
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It was created by Language Dynamics with the purpose of offering free English
lessons and ESL/EFL resources to intermediate and advanced English learners, in
order to improve their English for career advancement. The exercises are authentic
pedagogical materials, which implement the instruction of English online as an
alternative mode of teaching and learning. The exercises and resources are
interactive and they cover different aspects of grammar, vocabulary, reading, and
listening. This website also sets forums for the students and tutorials.
several topics. You can access talk shows, drama, news reports, sports, music and
many other areas. You can choose to listen to British English or American English
programmes.
It offers graded help in all the skills. There are many online practice exercises with
clear explanations. There is also a TOEFL/TOEIC section with online material and
quizzes. Please, note that on November 2019 this site was found to be under
construction. Hopefully, it will be back online soon.
Englishclub
It is composed of free online resources to learn or teach English. From easy guides to
grammar or to fun games and quizzes. It is mainly divided in two parts, Learn English
and Teach English, where both teachers and students can find thousands of exercises
regarding listening, grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, speaking and reading. It
also offers conversation worksheets, news to listen to, English classes for different
purposes, songs, jokes, videos and articles and magazines.
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For teaches it provides a link to websites where they can create exercises and
handouts.
This is a good resource to study any of the Cambridge exams, including FCE,
Cambridge Advanced and Proficiency, since it provides practice tests in all the levels.
Besides, it has a new resource for IELTS Speaking, which gives free weekly practice
tests in the topics that are likely to come up in the exam, as well as weekly vocabulary
tests.
Grammarly is a good tool for ESL students, since it allows them to proofread their
work for spelling, grammar, sentence structure, and even the correct spacing. It is
very easy to implement, and users can either add the Grammarly extension to their
browsers or upload a document to the Grammarly site to check their writing and
assignments. It also has the following possibilities: Advanced Grammar Rules,
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Watch the following video to access some very interesting websites. We will also talk
about some activities that could be implemented regarding those websites.
Kajee, L. (n. d.). Making waves, not just surfing the net: ICT and learning in the ESL
classroom. Johannesburg, South Africa: University of the Witwatersrand, Unpublished
paper. Retrieved from:
http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.123.8494&rep=rep1&type=
pdf
In this article, the author proposes a deepened understanding and use of ICT for ESL
learning and teaching purposes.
Shah, P. M. & Empungan, J. L. (25th February 2015). ESL Teachers’ Attitudes towards
Using ICT in Literature Lessons. International Journal of English Language Education, 3
(1), 201-2018. Retrieved from:
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/f887/18832c1b6b1a1beffa71e9973a9bc907666a.pdf
This resource explores our, as teachers, attitude regarding the use of ICT when
teaching literature.
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Yunnus, M. M., Nordinm N., Salehi, H., Embi, M. A. & Mahamod, Z. (1st August 2013).
Managing Problems and Planning Activities Involving ICT Tools in Teaching ESL Reading
and Writing. Asian Social Science, 9 (10), 222-230. Retrieved from:
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/2fa1/cb2bdb990e4020a8fa28da1e45dcc87b1cd7.pdf
This article talks about the possibilities of ICT tools regarding classroom management
and activity planning.
Vosloo, S. (2013). UNESCO ICT in Education Programme: Challenges, Focus Areas, and
Deliverables [slideshow file]. Retrieved from:
https://www.slideshare.net/DIUFL/unesco-ict-in-education-programme
The slideshow shown above explains UNESCO’s ICT programme regarding education,
focusing specially in its challenges, the areas it focuses in and its deliverables.
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2. ICT resources will render the role of the teacher less important.
A. True.
B. False.
3. The fact of being active or passive, oral or written features is related to:
A. ICT resources.
B. Feedback and assessment.
C. The four linguistic skills.
4. According to Miles (2001), ICT are good for teachers, since by using them teachers
gain visibility.
A. True.
B. False.
5. According to Savvidis (2016), students learn better if they use ICT technologies.
A. True.
B. False.
B. False.
8. The BBC website bases its English teaching manly on working with videos.
A. True.
B. False.
9. All publishing houses offer free activities in their websites, just by clicking on the
corresponding link.
A. True.
B. False.
10. Busy Teacher has the option to download chronologically ordered material.
A. True.
B. False.
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